Buyer's guide to festivals

2. Bin the bags

Ever wondered what's in Radio One DJ and festival guru Jo Whiley's backpack? Well ponder no longer, it's ‘bin liners to sit on’. Although admittedly super cheap, easy to pack and useful for rubbish, we prefer to enjoy our festival experience from the comfort of a chair. Hold centre stage with this Penguin deckchair (£60) from Heal's.

For more deckchair choices see our top ten deckchairs.

3. Well trendy

We may not all look like model-turned-actress Saffron Burrows but we can certainly pay attention when she offers her chic festival fashion advice. ‘Wellies work, with everything from jeans to tea dresses,’ she says. Bring out your inner Kate or Sienna with these funky hot pink wellies (£29.99) from Not on the High Street. Hot pants and waistcoats – optional.

4. Power shower

Everyone knows that wet wipes are a festival essential – M & S model Erin O Conner swears by them. ‘Wet wipes go a long way… I think you’re cleaner actually staying away from the shower,’ she insists. If you cannot bear the thought of going without a shower for three days then the solar shower (£9) from Biome Lifestyle is a festival must-have, you can even use the pretty Candy stripe wash mitt (£3) from Cath Kidston to scrub yourself.

5. Prepare to queue

Gail Porter offers her festival pearls of wisdom; on her essential list are, ‘a friend to get you back to the tent in one piece and toilet paper'. Kill time in the queues for the dreaded festival loos with this Sudoku toilet roll (£3.99) from Gadget Hub.

6. Air your dirty laundry in public…

Tom Ravenscroft, son of legendary DJ John Peel, attended festivals from an early age with his father. His expert insider advice for surviving a three day mud fest is: ‘Use colourful underwear as a makeshift flag on your tent so you can find it’. If you are less than keen to air your smalls to the world then snap up this Hippie tipi play tent (£120) from The Conran Shop. But beware – with something so colourful you might attract unwanted revelers!

7. A-head of the game

Radio One veteran Annie Mac has been to her fair share of festivals and her camping essentials are simple, a torch. Avoid tripping over tent pegs on your way to the loos at 3am with this Wind up head lamp from Biome Lifestyle for just £12.50, leaving your hands free to negotiate the fiddly zips on the tent.

8. Smooth as silk

Want to be warm but don't want to lug a heavy sleeping bag around? Try the ultra light Silk liner (£23) from the Silk Sleeping Bag Company. It can be used on its own or as a liner for a conventional sleeping bag. Perfect for travellers.

9. Put a sock in it

‘Lots of things to wear on your feet’, is a festival must according to TV star Gail Porter. After three days of torrential rain you will be glad you packed that extra pair socks. Why not try Dickies mens thermal socks three pairs for £14.85 from Tooled up – no doubt you will have a friend who has not been quite so prepared. These are thermal and will fit perfectly under your wellies. Make sure to save a dry pair to keep you toasty warm at night.

10. Pitch in

Make your festival experience that bit easier by omitting the ongoing battle with tent pegs and poles, with this Eurohike flash mach II blackout tent (£59.99) from Millets. The tent designed for two people, does not need pitching, amazingly it simply pops into shape. Waterproof, breathable and a black inner tent and flysheet to keep out light, an absolute festival must have.

Got festivals covered? Now read our guide to your top ten camping accessories. Or see our our pick of the Top ten deckchairs and take your seating with you. Check out our Buy the look in the style of Erin O'Connor and our interview with Erin's interior designer At home with Suzy Hoodless

Like what you read? Find out the latest trends and best bargains in our weekly newsletter.